Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that YouTube is extremely popular and, with 24 hours worth of video being uploaded every second, you cannot ignore it as a powerful online tool.
Yes, cats playing piano are very entertaining, but did you know that some of those videos you’ve been sharing were actually created by smart marketers to help grow their business? Did you watch a video of a golden retriever who loves guitar lately? Did you happen to notice a Bud Light in the shot? Subtle, yet effective. (As of this posting this video had 5.7 million views.)
Most digital cameras and cell phones have video capabilities, so it’s pretty easy to to capture content at any time. Here are three compelling reasons why you should get a little more trigger-happy with that device.
1. Video humanizes your business – use video to expose your business in a transparent and human way. If you’re able to add humor or tug on heartstrings, all the better. Just be real.
2. If your video is interesting, it will be shared – there is no secret sauce to creating a viral video, but my advice is try a little bit of everything and have fun. If just one of your videos is shared by all your Facebook friends, who knows where it can go from there. What videos have you shared lately? Why? Think about it and ask friends or coworkers to help brainstorm ideas.
3. Improve Search Results - video is one of the best ways to improve your business' search results. YouTube is the second most powerful search engine, next to Google, and guess what, it’s owned by Google! Be sure to use keywords and tag your videos so you get found.
One more reason I recommend video for my clients is that it makes you reflect on what is interesting and important about your business. If you are unsure why your business is interesting or important, ask your friends, family and customers. You may be surprised to learn how your business is perceived by others, which may give you some great ideas to work with.
Here are a few examples of how video can be used to market small businesses:
- Hair Salon: Short how-to videos for up-dos, make-up applications, wavy curls, or blow dry tips.
- Car Wash: How to rub out a scratch on your car or proper waxing techniques.
- Wine Shop: How to read a wine bottle or how to pair wine and food.
- Restaurant: Video the chef preparing your most popular menu item, leaving one ingredient out and asking viewers to guess it. Winner receives a gift card!
Okay, those are all the freebies you get today.
Just remember to be real and be interesting, and you'll be found by new customers. Oh, and if your business is piano lessons and you are able to teach a cat to play a piano – hit record now and post the link in the comments below!
Are you currently using video to market your business? Share your tips here in the comments.
